Tag: Advice for the Bride

We all have heard what a bride SHOULD do…but what about what she should NEVER do?

NUMBER ONE — Never choose your dress BEFORE your venue. Does this dress look like it is a good fit for a barn wedding? While it strikes some’s fancy, it neither is the correct style for such a casual wedding, nor would it be easy to navigate.

NUMBER TWO — Never, never pay for a planning session with a florist. I know, I was surprised that some florists employed this scam. I was more than happy with both florists we used for my daughters’ weddings. The subject of payment for a consultation/estimate was NEVER raised. If a florist suggests such a thing, run. And don’t look back.

NUMBER THREE — Same goes for a cake tasting fee. This is a courtesy. You should never be charged for a cake tasting. I had a bad experience with my oldest daughter’s cake. Luckily, I used my credit card for the second payment, and was able to dispute the charge. Something to consider when you purchase your own cake.

NUMBER FOUR — I think it’s safe to say, we women want to look spectacular on our wedding day. This includes hair and makeup. But don’t look too different from the woman your fiancé fell in love with. Put on a little sparkle, but look like yourself. Your new husband will thank you, and you’ll like your wedding photos more.

NUMBER FIVE— Don’t allow your toasting sessions to become a “Free For All”. Have your DJ, Band Leader, or Wedding Coordinator enforce the number of approved toasts. And about those “Approved Toasts”, be very clear with those presenting speeches how long you wish them to be. My suggestion, allow two to three minutes per person. An informal poll shows the toasting session is wedding guests’ least favorite part of the reception.

Every single wedding I worked on this summer was an outdoor affair…every single one! Not only were the ceremonies outside but the receptions as well. When my daughters, Kathleen and Maggie married, their ceremonies were in a church. So even if we had inclement weather, (we did for Maggie), there was some sort or respite for part of the day.

One must be truly brave too hold her ceremony AND reception outdoors in summer. But I’m glad to say that all my events this season were wonderful. The brides did their research and prepared for the worst. Today I’ll be sharing some tips I found on shefinds.com, along with pointers I acquired from my brides.

Don’t forget the bug spray! And if you’re health conscience, consider an organic, non-toxic product like poofy organics. Just click on the link above if you’d like to order. My friend and neighbor is actually a rep for the company. I use their products and love them, and the care for the environment they support.

Although probably not good for the environment, one venue did a “Yard Bomb”. This venue had the least bugs and itchy guests.

2. I know from personal experience that if your weather will be warm, PLEASE insist your cake baker use fondant to cover the cake. If you use this product, your frosting won’t melt! One bride, not mine, even went as far as to get a “cake net” to cover her cake. A GREAT idea. If you’re interested, you can click on the link and order up!

3. A tent option is good rain or shine. If if rains, your guests have somewhere to go to stay dry. If it is sunny and hot, a respite from the heat. This is a win-win option. Some venues include the tents in the price of their rental fee, others don’t. Find out up front so you don’t have any last minute surprises.

4. I have used the above “Chilly Pads” for my daughter’s sporting events. It’s a miracle! You wet the cloth pictured above, and it’s super cool. It really brings down one’s body temp. My most recent bride found tiny ones and had several available for overheated guests. Brilliant!

5. Could you ask for a cuter favor? If you’re having an outdoor wedding, consider ordering sunscreen with your names and wedding date printed on them. Then provide it to your guests as a favor! (This is from shefinds.com, as are the watermelon pops below).

6. Don’t forget to keep your guests hydrated. My brides this summer made sure their guests had water and/or lemonade at the ceremony site to keep hydrated as they waited for the wedding to begin. Smart. And the watermelon pops above…adorable!

Are you fit for your wedding? This question is not directly only to the bride, but to the bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, etc. Usually, you’ll have a while to prepare, but best advice…don’t procrastinate!

1)Start with a healthy diet. You can loose weight, provided you wish to, easier than you think. Just eat well. If you wish to really drop some poundage, consult your doctor. He/she will help you accomplish this safely.

prevention.com

2) Exercise! Time to tone up that bod! With the internet, there is not excuse to avoid finding a plan that will work for you.

The above link focuses on the arms. If you have to pick one area to work on, the arms would be the one most likely exposed and in need of toning. Again, check with your doctor if you have any reservations.

3) Use healthy products, it will show in your skin. One outstanding line is Poofy Organics Click on the link, you’ll be impressed. They will ship to anywhere in the country. I’m a big fan of their products and use them myself.

4) Consider a facial treatment schedule for your skin. Perhaps begin 6 months before your wedding. But DO NOT decide to have a facial for the first time a few weeks before the big day — you may have several breakouts, as facials initially pull impurities from the skin – resulting in spots.

5) Stay out of the sun! If you MUST have a little color before your wedding, choose a gentle self tanner, and try it out a good month before the big day. RealTanPhysics.com has a great article on self-tanners with pros and cons of several products.